I try to indicate that I don't agree and if possible get them to discuss it further. Sometimes you can do it by asking questions rather than making your own assertions in return. And having your own evidence to hand is useful. i find my theology and history and philosophy of religon studies come in very useful in religious discussions, and keeping up with science even on a popular level is good for a lot of fruit-loopery.

I prefer to be assertive when I can. I like to say, that can’t be true; or that is not true. Usually I follow it up with the reason why. I try to be assertive because I am a woman and I want to be heard clearly and because we allow so many casual unthoughtful ideas go unchallenged.

Please cite credible sources and/or specific evidence. Testimonies, biblical passages, apologetics based arguments, and argumentum ad populum do not represent sources or evidence. If you want to communicate with me you need to supply information.

@Chicagojcb "you are so polite and diplomatic. Love you for it. I can only manage the colloquilism 'B#llshit!'"
What I find curious however is the seeming fact that many having determined their stance have to continue arguing about it rather than just getting on with life seeking new adventures and experiences instead of rehashing the same old ground.

Well, normally I ask "Why do you think so?" or something of the kind. Based on the argumentation they provide, I decide how to continue the conversation and if at all.

Please explain unless it is religious bullshit then that's the last thing I want to do.

If the person is adamant, I just nod and move on to the next topic. If the person is reasonable, r ask for more information and share my own thoughts with them.

Why is it MY job to correct every person I see who is "wrong?" I don't knock cigarettes or junk food out of people's hands, lecture Hindus, Muslims, or Christians on their beliefs, etc. The only time I'll say anything is if someone is trying to force me to accept something I don't believe in, and there's no other way to get away from them.

Otherwise, what other people believe is none of my business, if it doesn't affect me.

I’ve said the same and the reaction has been everything you’d expect it to be.

Surprise

Are you speaking about discussions relating to faith and god? In that arena the issue of true or false do not enter the conversation. I accept the foundations of an individual’s belief on its face. I find it most useful not to be in opposition, but on the same side of the table looking at all that is in front of us without fear or judgement.

tJoseph Goebbels: 'It would not be impossible to prove with sufficient repetition and a psychological understanding of the people concerned that a square is in fact a circle. Just posting as contrast to FDR quote

People are Stupid, Given Proper Motivation they will believe almost anything. Because they are stupid they will believe a Lie because they want it to be true or they are afraid it might be true.....Terry Goodkind, Wizards First Rule

Unfortunately we are in a political climate that leverages a premise that repetition of a statement, however untrue, makes it convincing (even if not true). Unfortunately, true...

There are no facts in the bible whatsoever.

I simply say that organized religion is a narcotic for the ignorant, and a preacher is nothing more than a beggar in a suit. Usualy shuts them up.

I don't have enough evidence to prove peoples religious views are true, nor do I have prove of it to be false. I also believe intention is everything.